What’s the Attraction?

Audiences throughout the decades have enjoyed seeing the plays of Shakespeare performed. Whether it’s on a big stage indoors or an outdoor venue, playgoers of all ages are drawn together by their love of theater. They may share little else in common, but their passion for drama unites them in this setting.

Why It Matters

Community is important for psychological health and for the functioning of society. Humans are naturally drawn together in various ways. Sometimes the union is casual, while other communities are strong and long-lasting. There are many factors that contribute to the tightness of a community.

Interest in an activity brings people together. Whether it is the Super Bowl, a horse race, or a movie, people can share the experience of watching the event. They are drawn together for the moment, but often go their own way after the event is over. The shared observing of the activity demonstrates a type of community, but it is a weak and transient one.

Organizations with a shared purpose and goals tend to build stronger, longer-lasting communities. The affinity among members is one where the people all want to see the same outcome occur. Religious groups are one such community, with a shared set of beliefs, behavioral expectations, and commitment to a goal. Political organizations serve the same purpose for many people. A social club may take on a program to provide books to children. In doing so, the mutual attachment of the members is enhanced. Acting together tends to draw people closer to one another.

Credit: Toby Green

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Foulcall.jpg

License: CC BY-NC 3.0

Sports teams also function as social groups with a common goal. Here is a photo of two teams competing in a game of Ultimate Frisbee
[Figure2]

Electrons and protons, orbits and nuclei – opposite entities that interact with one another in a number of complicated ways. The nucleus affects how close electrons are drawn to it while the presence or absence of electrons affects the size of the atoms. One atom may attract electrons more strongly to itself, influencing charge distribution in a molecule, and thus affecting in a small way how molecules interact with each other.